Best Burger (2013)

Most resort food comes with a large scoop of scenery, to help you escape the forgettable main dishes staring up at you from the table. Not so at Mar'Sel at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, where chef Rebecca Merhej's inspired cooking may keep you from ever noticing the ocean outside. Her Downlow Burger (originally begun under Michael Fiorelli) is not only memorable but may also be the best in Los Angeles. Done up as a high-end In-N-Out Double Double, the dual Wagyu patties are ground in-house and laid on with aged white cheddar and the sweetest pile of caramelized onions you'll find. Crunchy house pickles and a creamy aioli finish off the burger, with a pillowy bun to enclose all that goodness. This burger requires two napkins: one to clean up all the burger juice, and another to wipe off the smile on your face. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes. (310) 265-2836, terranea.com/marsel. —Farley Elliott